Recent Writing Articlesfrom the Blog

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Successful writers know that a well-constructed story will grab the reader's attention from the very beginning. A strong beginning will hook readers and entice them to keep reading. There are a variety of writing styles that can be used to create an effective hook, and understanding which one of these writing styles best matches your unique voice is an important part of developing your craft.
Some of our favorite ways to begin a story include:
Asking a question: The first line of the iconic c …
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5 Writing Styles to Hook Your Reader

Successful writers know that a well-constructed story will grab the reader's attention from the very beginning. A strong beginning will hook readers and entice them to keep reading. There are a variety of writing styles that can be used to create an effective hook, and understanding which one of these writing styles best matches your unique voice is an important part of developing your craft.
Some of our favorite ways to begin a story include:
Asking a question: The first line of the iconic c

4 Creative Writing Exercises to Improve Your Prose

Staring down a blank page? Getting your creativity flowing is often the most difficult part of the entire writing process. It can be so daunting for some would-be writers that they give up entirely! So what can you do to avoid that spiral of creative mishaps? Try out one of the following tried-and-true creative writing exercises - you might be surprised how much they can help!
Use a Writing Prompt
Many times, the problem for writers is thinking up a topic to focus on. You may know what type

8 Great Grammar Games for Kids

Learning grammar can be a challenge for kids - as well as for adults re-learning concepts long forgotten! So instead of making grammar boring and dry with hours spent bent over a book in memorization, try adding a few fun grammar games to your daily life. Before you know it, your kids might start pointing out your grammatical shortcomings.
In Other Words
Looking for grammar games to expand your childs vocabulary? Try playing this simple game. Make a statement, then take turns with your

3 Unique Writing Topics for Students

When you're given a writing assignment - but not a topic - deciding what to write about can be a challenge. Here, teacher Matthew H. shares a few unique writing topics to consider...
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Virtually all students eventually will be required to write an essay on some literary piece they read in class or for homework. Normally, you will be expected to answer a specific question the teacher has posed to provoke a thoughtful response. However, sometimes you will be given the option to wri

Tips for Teens: Writing Your First Novel

As a young writer, you might be wondering what its like to write a novel. What goes into the process? How in the world do authors get started, especially when you look at writers like Stephen King, who has written several novels of over 1,000 pages? Keep reading to learn how to break down the process and make it much more manageable:
Start with Brainstorming
Start small - as small as a single word or sentence. It might seem silly, but it can help you stay focused before your imagination sta